2. analog
  3. 168527-164097

New to vinyl - How to get the best out of old classical discs?

I’ve recently added vinyl to my classical listening lineup (mostly piano and chamber music) after realizing how many extraordinary recordings aren’t available in other formats. I wanted to start small, but now that I’m a little more comfortable with the gear and know I like the format, I’m interested in where the biggest improvements can be found. Generic suggestions are always welcome, but there are issues that seem to come up more often with of these old classical discs so if anyone has extensive experience there I would be particularly grateful. My budget is around $1000, and any gear that holds value is preferred.


My current setup:


Prep: Ultrasonic/IPA/detergent, new sleeves, quick wipe with dry swiffer duster before play

TT:  Denon DP-51F

Cart:  Ortofon Red

Phono: Pro-ject Phono Box S2


Then (usually):


MiniDSP

Scott 222C (EL84 PP amplifier)

Klipsch RF-5s (discontinued floorstanders, similar sound to Heritage)


Thanks in advance for any advice!


bluemountain
vinylshadow
425 posts
 
@chakster

"Hahaha. I can’t believe I’m reading about springs again, it’s almost in every thread already. Unbelievable.

Maybe because it works? Believable.

If you put pods under your table and then poo poo the performance, maybe anyone here might find weight in your criticism.

" Nothing will change the sound more than a good cartridge in your current set up @bluemountain."

Whatever you say professor.





audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,017 posts
 
The Ear 834 is very nice, found one for about 900 bucks used in mint shape with original tubes. You could also move up to the pro-ject tube box ds2 @ about 1000 bucks. For the cartridge, I’d try the Hana el low output moving coil. That ortofon red is not that great. Another choice would be the 2m bronze. You are able to add the 2m black stylus to it at a later date, as they share the same body. You could eventually go the SUT route, and grab the Jensen mc 2rr. It pairs nicely with the aforementioned Hana el. 
mward
102 posts
 
Nobsound products seem like such low quality products from China, I always have a hard time with this advice when I see it.  Not saying springs don’t work, just not sure about this brand. 
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,229 posts
 
I'll agree with Chakster, the Ortofon Red is the weak link here. I think three cartridges in your price range (new) will make a significant improvement; the AT VM760SLC, the Goldring 1042 and of course the Beethoven addition of the 2M Black.
bluemountain OP
4 posts
 
Sounds like I should start with the cart and maybe wait a bit to buy an ‘investment’ phono stage. 
Re: springs, the TT is in almost perfect shape and is obviously a masterfully engineered machine. I personally wouldn’t try change anything about how it’s put together.
More to discover